Course Description: This course balances the development of physics concepts with the development of problem solving abilities.  Physical concepts will be thoroughly investigated through lecture and laboratory time, and students will use their mathematical knowledge to express concepts and solve problems.

Teacher:  Mr. David Arbo  e-mail:  darbo at ssacad.com voice-mail:  892-2540  x306

Essential Knowledge:
The student will explore basic physical laws that govern our world and will be assessed through homework, quizzes, tests, lab reports and projects.
The student will develop conceptual thinking and problem solving skills which will be assessed through homework, quizzes, tests, lab reports and projects.
The student will apply her knowledge of physics in her own environment.  Application of knowledge will be assessed through lab reports, tests and projects.
The student will apply processes in scientific research to her own life and will be assessed on through various projects.

Critical Questions:

Unit 1 - Math Review:  Why is the metric system important?  How are graphs used to communicate information?

Unit 2 - Linear Motion:  How do distance and displacement, speed and  velocity differ?  How are they the same?  How are Distance-Time graphs and Velocity-Time graphs used to communicate information?  How can velocity, time, distance and acceleration be used to solve problems?

Unit 3 - Force: What are the four types of force and where are these types seen in the physical world?  How do Newton’s Laws of Motion describe what we observe in the physical world?  How do we include consideration of the force of friction in problem solving?

Unit 4 - Vectors: How are vectors used to aid in problem solving?

Unit 5 - Motion in Two Directions:  Does horizontal motion affect vertical motion? How are two-dimensional motion problems solved?  How are circular motion problems solved?  How are harmonic motion problems solved?

Unit 6 - Momentum, Work, and Energy:  How do momentum, work and energy relate?  How is the study of momentum and impact important in car wrecks?  How do simple machines help us do work?

Unit 7 - Electricity and Magnetism:  What is the difference between static electricity and current electricity and in what physical applications are they seen?  How
is electricity used in simple circuits?  What forces create magnetic fields?  What are the actions of magnetic fields on matter?

Unit 8 - Waves, Light, and Sound:  What are the various types of waves and in what physical applications are they seen?  How does wave theory explain the light we see and the sound we hear?  What are the other light and sound ranges that we cannot see or hear and how are they used?
 

COURSE OUTLINE
 

Week 1 Unit 1: Intro. & Chapter 2, Math Review
Weeks 2 – 4  Unit 3: Ch. 3 & 5, Velocity and Acceleration
Weeks 5 – 6  Unit 4: Ch. 6, Forces
Weeks 7 – 9  Unit 2: Ch. 4, Vectors
Week 10   Review and  Midterm Exams
Weeks 11 – 13  Unit 5: Ch. 7, Forces and Motion in Two Dimensions
Weeks 14 – 15  Unit 6: Ch. 9-11, Momentum, Work and Energy
Weeks 16 – 17  Unit 7: Ch. 14-18, Waves, Sound and Light, Reflection/Refraction, Mirrors/Lenses
Week 18  Review and Final Exams

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION
Students are expected to utilize their computers in the following manner:
1) note taking via a binder in OneNote for Physics.
2) researching various Physics concepts throughout the semester.
3) conducting virtual lab assignments via the internet.
4) creating graphics, tables, charts, etc. for presenting information, organizing information, and studying information.
5) utilizing appropriate grade level websites and resources for this class.
6) abiding by all behaviors outlined in St. Scholastica’s Responsible and Ethical Use Policy.
7) refraining from games, emailing, instant messaging, internet surfing, etc. during class time.
      Disciplinary consequences will be strictly enforced.

MATERIALS
pens, pencils, paper, notebook, graph paper, scientific calculator, ruler (15cm or 30 cm), protractor

Your notebook is the most important tool you will have to help you do well in this course. You should bring it to class everyday and write in it everyday. You will
need to add handouts regularly so a 3 ring binder is recommended. This will let you keep all necessary papers in their proper order and to receive the best possible
grade. You also need a scientific calculator, TI-82 or TI-83 is recommended.

Students are expected to have ALL of their materials every day.  If a student forgets an item one will be provided at a cost of 10 homework points.  Test days tend
to be hectic and it would be unfair to other students for me to delay the start of a test explaining the materials policy so items will be provided with no warning or
mention of the -10 points.  This includes pens and pencils so be sure to bring extras.  All students are advised that these points will be deducted.
 

GRADING

Grades for this class will be calculated as follows:

10%  homework, classwork, and quizzes
20% labs
50% tests
20% projects

In addition, the following policies will hold for all assignments:

-- must be in blue or black ink
-- must have first and last name on all assignments turned in
-- must have the class period on all assignments turned in
-- no 'paper lace' edges from tearing paper out of spiral notebooks (must be neat and clean)
-- penalty for lost worksheets or handouts
-- must use correct grammar and spelling
-- must be on time (handed in when asked for, 50% off per day late)
-- must write the question for all assignments
-- students should send an e-mail to the teacher to indicate they read this syllabus
-- the subject line of the e-mail should say Physics is Phun!
-- the body of the message should state the policy for late work and missed labs

The consequence for not following directions/procedures will be -10 homework points.
All reports, projects, essays, etc. must be MLA format and use correct English and grammar.  In particular,
-- No run on sentences or sentence fragments
-- All verbs must agree with their subjects
-- All pronouns must have clear antecedents and must agree with their antecedents
-- Strong, active verbs should be used – few or no linking verbs (is, are, was, were, etc.)
 

Reports:  All reports for this class must be MLA format.  This means they must have a Works Cited with proper parenthetical documentation.  Reports turned in
without these items will not receive credit.  All science reports need a minimum of 2 references and should not be written in first person.  Reports that are reworked
to include these parts will receive 50% credit. You must have proper documentation for Science papers!
 

Absences:  Students are responsible for keeping up with their assignments. This includes absences due to sickness, field trips or just being out of the room for a
few minutes. If you are not present for any or all of a class period be sure to get notes and/or assignments from a friend. Missed labs must be made up within one
week, no credit will be earned after one week.  Grades will always be posted on Edline after a major test and at various times in between tests.  Students should
check Edline grades at these times to make sure there are no errors or missing grades.

Help Sessions will be every Monday from 3:20 to 3:50 or by appointment.  I am usually on campus until 4:00 everyday so if this time is inconvenient you can
schedule an alternate time.  Keep in mind that the last help session before a test or exam is often crowded with students trying to do some last minute cramming. This
prevents me from giving any one person a lot of attention.  If you really don't understand something you should come in immediately so you don't get 'lost in the
crowd' on the cramming days.  (Also, note the starting time for help sessions.  I require a few minutes after the bell to do bookkeeping chores, turn paperwork into
the office and catch my breath.  You may need to wait a few minutes until I get there).

I am also available during second lunch on random days.  I will open the Physics room, room 283, whenever possible during 2nd lunch.  Sometimes I have meetings
or other work that I need to complete during 2nd lunch.  If the room lights are off I will not answer the door as this indicates that I am busy and unavailable.

A note on grades:  Students, bear in mind that you are in charge of your own grade.  No one cares more about your grade than you.  If you see an omission or
discrepancy in your grades it is your responsibility to bring it to the teacher's attention.  Sending an e-mail message is the best method because then you have a copy
to print out if anyone ever disagrees with you or claims you never notified the teacher.  In addition, if you ever fail a test or other major assignment I will consider a
re-take or alternate assessment (on request) if the situation warrants such action.  I will evaluate each case on an individual basis but there is no penalty for asking.
Such requests must be made within three school days of the due date of the assignment.

Class Policies:

1. Students are to be seated in their seats when the tardy bell rings.
2. Students should have all assigned supplies in class each day. This includes your own textbook,
    notebook (binder) with loose-leaf paper, a pen, a pencil, and calculator.
3. Students should raise their hand and wait to be recognized before speaking.
4. Students should ask permission before leaving their desk.
5. Shoes must be worn at all times in lab rooms. Automatic point reduction. NO WARNINGS!
6. Any behavior which disrupts the learning process will be considered inappropriate for the classroom. Examples: writing or passing notes; working on assignments
for another class; playing with photos, makeup, another student's hair, magazines, etc.; sleeping (or 'resting').
7. Classmates, the classroom and its furnishings are to be treated with respect.  Name-calling, rudeness, writing on the desks, leaving paper on the floor, etc.  are all
considered inappropriate for the classroom.
 

Updated 01/06/09